1. How would you define a chemical engineer?
An engineer is someone who likes to solve problems. A chemical engineer becomes involved with problems that include some aspect of chemistry. This translates into any and all industries that make just about anything. They also work with the system support services (finacial and law) that are used by such industries.
2. What are the important abilities for
this career?
Most important is the ability to solve problems. Second in importance is good communication skills. To achieve the first, your school work should be very good in math and chemistry. The second includes your English classes - writing and speaking.
3. From your experience, what are the advantages
of being a chemical engineer?
The work is always challenging. If it gets dull, you can find another job without much difficulty. The pay is not too bad either!
4. What are the disadvantages of job?
You have to work much harder in school than other students. You will have a difficult time finding a job if you really only want to live in a small town. Some small towns do have Chem Eng type jobs, but most do not. If you really have your heart set on living in a particular spot-make sure that you can find employment there!
After you are done with school, some people find it such a foreign concept (chemical engineering) that they have a hard time talking with you, at least about your work.
Actually, I think that if you have the interest and some talent in chemistry and math, then there really are not many disadvantages.
5. Were you affordable to pay for college?
how?
I went to a school in my home state, had scholarships that paid about ½, and worked part time during school. I also had a few student loans (still a good deal).
6. Do you think you receive the salary you deserve?
Loaded question.... I am paid well, and have no trouble living within my means. Still, as a professor I make much less than my peers in industry. But that is a personal choice and I am happy with it.
7. What are the possibilities of advancement?
In academia (the university) there are only 3 job classifications: assistant professor, associate professor, and full professor. I am at the assistant level currently.
In industry, there is great room for advancement. And it will be your communication skills that help (or hinder) your career. Many CEO's are Chem Engs.
8. Do you think the employment rate will increase in year 2008?
Yes, but not everywhere, and not in every industry. The hot ones will involve computers, biology, and energy. Chem E's can easily be involved in these areas.
9. Comparing the Chemical engineer with
a Mechanical engineer, what is the difference?
Chem E's have a more general, much broader, and more scientific education. This makes them more suitable for leadership positions. ME's have more engineering background, with a deeper knowledge base in their chosen area. This usually leads to careers with a more technical background.
This difference is really only important in the first 5 to 10 years of your career. After that it hardly matters, and what does matter is your communication skills and your own personal goals and skills. Did I mention that communication skills are important? They are very, very, very important.
10. What advice would you give to a high school student interested in this career?
In high school you should take as much math, chemistry, and English as you possibly can. Try to be ready to start in Calculus in college. Get as much experience in public speaking as possible. It is scary, it is hard, and it is the most worthwhile thing you can do for your career (even if you later choose not to pursue engineering).
Once in college - Study hard, but don't forget to find fun stuff to do. Join clubs, play sports, be active, get some leadership experience (there are so many opportunities in college...)
Once you are at junior level in college - get a summer internship or co-op type job. You can get some engineering experience before graduation. It will really help you decide what you do and do not want to do.
Whew... hope that helps. It is a lot of advice-you don't have to do it all in one day. But work these things in slowly over time. Keep a strong, positive goal in mind in all things.
When you are ready for college (a must for an engineer, and for most future careers) be sure to visit at least two places. Be less impressed with large, old buildings and focus more on quality of your contacts with staff and faculty. The faculty student contact time is the most important thing a college can do for you as a student.
Updated 3/10/2000
Chemical Engineering History:
http://www.cems.umn.edu/~aiche_ug/history/h_intro.html
Chemical Engineering Jobs:
http://www.engcen.com/chemjobs.htm
Know a good link or have a suggestion? e-mail me at ssternbe@d.umn.edu
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